Eastern Maine Prepares for Spring Blizzard

Published at 6:18 AM EDT on Apr 17, 2014

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MACHIAS, Maine (AP) - Maine's eastern tip is under a rare blizzard warning as a storm packing snow and strong winds moves up the coast.

Forecasters say Washington County is expected to be pounded by strong winds and snowfall that could reach as high as 20 inches on Wednesday. The official definition for a blizzard is winds of 35 mph or more and limited visibility for three consecutive hours.

The storm is clipping Down East Maine, so snowfall elsewhere will be negligible.

But wind will be a concern up and down the coast. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Kistner said gusts upward of 50 mph will cause scattered power outages. Offshore, the winds could reach hurricane strength.

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